RESUME MISTAKES
Stop Sound Tech Resume Mistakes From Silencing Your Career
Identify and fix the top errors that keep hiring managers from hearing your talent
How This Page Helps
Help sound technicians create error‑free resumes that pass ATS and impress hiring managers.
Spot the most common formatting slip‑ups
Learn why vague job descriptions cost you gigs
Fix keyword gaps that block ATS
Polish your technical skill list for studios
Craft compelling achievement statements
Ensure proper contact and location formatting
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Missing or vague objective/summaryHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t quickly see your niche expertise
- ATS may not match you to sound‑engineer roles
How to fix
- Write a 2‑sentence summary highlighting years of live‑sound, studio, and broadcast experience
- Include key equipment and software you master
❌ Before
Objective: Seeking a job in audio.
✓ After
Summary: 5+ years delivering crystal‑clear mixes for live concerts and recording studios, proficient with Pro Tools, Yamaha CL5, and Dante networking.
ATS Tip
Include keywords like 'live sound', 'mix engineer', 'Pro Tools' early.
Detection Rules
summary length < 30 characters
no industry keywords present
Resumly Tip
Use our Summary Builder to insert role‑specific buzzwords.
Listing equipment without contextMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Looks like a laundry list, not a skill set
- ATS may not recognize brand names as skills
How to fix
- Pair each gear with a result or responsibility
- Group similar items under skill categories
❌ Before
Equipment: Yamaha LS9, Midas M32, Avid S6
✓ After
Live‑mixing consoles: Yamaha LS9 & Midas M32 – operated 150‑person venues, ensuring flawless signal flow. Digital audio workstations: Avid S6 – edited multitrack recordings for post‑production.
ATS Tip
Translate brand names into skill keywords (e.g., 'digital mixing console operation').
Detection Rules
bullet points start with brand name only
no action verbs present
Resumly Tip
Our Skill Formatter adds verbs and outcomes automatically.
Using generic job titlesHIGH
Why it hurts
- ATS may not map your role to the target title
- Hiring managers miss your specialization
How to fix
- Replace 'Audio Worker' with 'Live Sound Technician' or 'Studio Engineer'
- Add a parenthetical clarification if needed
❌ Before
Audio Worker, XYZ Events
✓ After
Live Sound Technician (Audio Worker), XYZ Events
ATS Tip
Match the title to the job posting's title.
Detection Rules
title contains vague term 'Audio' without qualifier
Resumly Tip
Title Optimizer suggests industry‑standard titles.
Incorrect date format causing parsing errorsLOW
Why it hurts
- ATS may fail to read employment dates
- Hiring managers can’t gauge tenure
How to fix
- Use MM/YYYY format consistently
- Avoid words like 'Present'—use 'Current' or leave end date blank
❌ Before
June 2019 – Present
✓ After
06/2019 – Present
ATS Tip
Standardize dates to MM/YYYY for all entries.
Detection Rules
month written as word
inconsistent separators
Resumly Tip
Date Normalizer auto‑converts to MM/YYYY.
Omitting measurable achievementsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Resume looks like a duty list, not results
- ATS often scores quantifiable metrics higher
How to fix
- Add numbers: number of shows, decibel reductions, budget saved
- Use action verbs and outcomes
❌ Before
Set up microphones for concerts.
✓ After
Set up and tuned 30+ microphone rigs for concerts, reducing feedback incidents by 40%.
ATS Tip
Include at least one metric per role.
Detection Rules
bullet points lack numbers or percentages
Resumly Tip
Achievement Enhancer suggests metrics based on role.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Core Skills, Technical Proficiencies, Professional Experience, Education, Certifications, Awards & Projects
Naming: FirstName_LastName_SoundTechnician_Resume
Consistency
Length: 1‑2 pages for most sound tech positions; up to 3 pages for senior studio engineers
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State (or Country)
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a professional email address
- Include a headline with key role
- List core skills before experience
- Show quantifiable results
- Tailor keywords to the job description
- Proofread for spelling and audio‑industry terminology
- Save as PDF with searchable text
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Greenhouse, Workday, JazzHR, SmartRecruiters
Keyword Strategy: live sound, mixing console, Pro Tools, Dante, signal flow, FOH, monitor mixing, audio networking
Heading Format: Use standard headings like 'Professional Experience' and 'Technical Proficiencies' to ensure ATS parsing.
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current sound technician resume text
- Convert vague duties into achievement statements
- Standardize dates to MM/YYYY
- Replace generic titles with industry‑standard ones
- Add missing technical skill keywords
- Insert measurable metrics where possible
Ready to turn your sound tech resume into a hiring magnet?
Start My Free Review
